Regional Mental Health Court opens

A new specialty court in the Eastern Upper Peninsula has opened its doors to offer mental health treatment options along with sentencing for criminal defendants.

The EUP Regional Mental Health Court held a kickoff celebration Monday in Manistique. It is comprised of district and circuit courts from the counties of Alger, Schoolcraft, Luce, Mackinac and Chippewa.

Judge Eric Blubaugh of the 91st District Court was on hand representing Chippewa County. He helped play a key role in the formation of the treatment specific court.

“What we’re trying to do, what Judge Luoma (of the 93rd District Court) does is find that treatment-based sentencing is often our first and best option to prevent further criminal acts,” Judge Blubaugh told the crowd, comprised of fellow judges, a Michigan Supreme Court justice, a state senator and more.

The EUP Regional Mental Health Court will continue to evolve over the coming months. The aim is to provide qualifying defendants with treatments that will be more beneficial than classic incarceration. Some treatment options could include housing, education, employment and overall mental health.

“This regional mental health court that we’re all a part of will allow our community to devote resources that encourage treatment, increase mental wellness and show people how to live a productive and healthy lives,” he continued.

The judge said alternative forms of justice, such as treatment courts and drug courts have long-term effects that can save lives and resources. He mentioned that early intervention could avoid long-term costs.

“We have an obligation to make smart choices and great value to our community,” said the judge. “Individual justice doesn’t mean that one size fits all.”

Not everyone will qualify for the court and it won’t replace traditional sentences. The new court’s sprawl will include over 74,000 residents from the five counties.